'The Gown' is the independent student newspaper at Queen's University. The paper, founded in 1955, is run voluntarily by students and funded entirely by advertising without University or Students' Union assistance.
From terrorism to teletubbies, prostitution parties to political protests, 'The Gown' has reported it all, providing a colourful account of life within the University and within Northern Ireland.

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Obama's campaign advisor announces resignation on same day she visits Queen's

- John Beecher

Pulitzer Prize winning author and Harvard professor Samantha Power's visit to Queen’s as part of her UK tour promoting her new book Chasing the Flame, caused an unusually high level of press interest on Friday.

The talk was delayed due to a press gathering outside the Peter Froggatt Centre. This was due to Irish-born Power's resignation earlier that day as international affairs advisor to the Barack Obama presidential campaign over comments she made about Hillary Clinton in an interview with TheScotsman on March 4th. She labelled Clinton “a monster...that is off the record – she is stooping to anything.” Unfortunately for Power TheScotsman decided it was very much on the record and published her quote in full prompting the Clinton campaign to demand her resignation.

Beginning her talk by describing her comments as inexcusable, the author attributed them to tiredness and frustration and warned the academics attending the lecture of the dangers of becoming entangled in politics. She also apologised both to Senator Clinton whom she claimed to think very highly of and to Senator Obama saying she hoped she could offer her services in a future administration. Power went on to joke that this was just about the worst way she had ever had to begin a lecture!

In my opinion, that was actually quite a measured comment made by his campaign advisor. Hilary Clinton is a complete joke - she has done just about everything to get votes - back in January things were going bad, so she turns on the waterworks! Now, she wants to appear upset by comments made about her. What a load of nonsense. The irony also, she is the one who tries to discredit Obama by saying how she will show strength in leadership. Haha, yea. When???

If Obama and Clinton were the only choices in the actual election, I would rather have Bush for a third term.-He isn't a crybaby like Hilary-He isn't for murder (abortion) like Barack-He was honest about his personal beliefs, unlike Hilary and Barack.